What Should I Do If the Legal Recruiter Working with Is Not Following Up with Firms They Have Submitted Me To?

Answer: Oh boy, this is a fine mess. And, unfortunately, not one from which you can extricate yourself in a short period of time.

First of all, let me ask a few questions. Did you give this headhunter permission to submit your resume to all of these firms? If so, did she actually have job openings with these firms or was she just "shot gunning" your resume all over town?


Have you spoken with her about her non-responsive behavior? Do you call her to find out what is happening or are you waiting for her to call you? Why do you think your resume is sitting in a pile somewhere? Obviously she has been able to secure some interviews for you, even though you have had to do the follow-up directly with the potential employer. What in the world is going on here?

I do not want to defend this inexcusable behavior on the part of the recruiter, but let me play devil's advocate for just one moment. Try to think back on just what has transpired between the two of you.

When you met with her initially there obviously was some kind of connection because she did send your resume out to many of her clients, presumably with your permission. Then obviously she did some kind of follow-up with the clients on your behalf because you told us that you did go out on interviews that she had set up for you.

It is at this point that the communication between the two of you seems to break down. You have told us that you had to follow up with the law firms yourself because she did not call you after your screening interviews. Did you provide her with any feedback when you got out of the interview?

Does she take your calls or return any of your messages? If not, have you tried to speak with anyone else at the firm to find out why you are being treated this way? Could it be that she has nothing to report and figures that you will check in with her at some point or that she will call you when she has something to tell you?

Now, as I said, I was playing devil's advocate because there must be a valid reason why you think your resume is sitting in a pile somewhere. So now, what can you do to extricate yourself from this ineffective recruiter?

Unfortunately, if you gave her permission to send your resume out to specific firms, there is nothing that you can do to stop her from being the recruiter of record with these particular employers. Even if you never want to have anything to do with her again, should these firms hire you, she will be entitled to a placement fee. However, there is a generally accepted rule that gives a resume a six-month shelf life. This means that six months after the resume has been submitted, if the firm has not expressed any interest in you, you can have another recruiter represent you to this firm.

The other thing you should do right away is to contact this recruiter - and follow up the conversation in writing - to find out exactly where your resume has been sent. Notify her that she is not to send your resume to any other places. Additionally, unless one of the firms where she sent your resume expresses an interest in meeting with you, you do not want her sending your resume to any other clients. Make this very clear to her - in no uncertain terms - and then make sure you follow it up in writing. I would also send a copy of your letter to the head of her recruiting firm.

I am sorry that I can't give you an instant fix on this situation. That is why I always counsel people to choose their headhunter very carefully. Please let us know what happens. Best wishes!

See 6 Things Attorneys and Law Students Need to Remove from Their Resumes ASAP If They Want to Get Jobs with the Most Prestigious Law Firms for more information.

Summary: Is there a way to get my recruiter to retract my resume from all of the firms they have sent it to and resubmit it again myself or using another recruiter?

See the following articles for more information:
 

• What Characteristics Should I Look for in a Legal Recruiter?
• Do I Really Need a Recruiter?
• Why You Should Never Use a Legal Recruiter

About Harrison Barnes

No legal recruiter in the United States has placed more attorneys at top law firms across every practice area than Harrison Barnes. His unmatched expertise, industry connections, and proven placement strategies have made him the most influential legal career advisor for attorneys seeking success in Big Law, elite boutiques, mid-sized firms, small firms, firms in the largest and smallest markets, and in over 350 separate practice areas.

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This breadth of placements is unheard of in the legal recruiting industry and is a testament to his extraordinary ability to connect attorneys with the right firms, regardless of market size or practice area.

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With over 25 years of experience, Harrison has successfully placed attorneys at over 1,000 law firms, including:

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Unmatched Commitment to Attorney Success - The Story of BCG Attorney Search

Harrison Barnes is not just the most effective legal recruiter in the country, he is also the founder of BCG Attorney Search, a recruiting powerhouse that has helped thousands of attorneys transform their careers. His vision for BCG goes beyond just job placement; it is built on a mission to provide attorneys with opportunities they would never have access to otherwise. Unlike traditional recruiting firms, BCG Attorney Search operates as a career partner, not just a placement service. The firm's unparalleled resources, including a team of over 150 employees, enable it to offer customized job searches, direct outreach to firms, and market intelligence that no other legal recruiting service provides. Attorneys working with Harrison and BCG gain access to hidden opportunities, real-time insights on firm hiring trends, and guidance from a team that truly understands the legal market. You can read more about how BCG Attorney Search revolutionizes legal recruiting here: The Story of BCG Attorney Search and What We Do for You.

The Most Trusted Career Advisor for Attorneys

Harrison's legal career insights are the most widely followed in the profession.

• His articles on BCG Search alone are read by over 150,000 attorneys per month, making his guidance the most sought-after in the legal field. Read his latest insights here.
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With an unmatched track record of success, a vast team of over 150 dedicated employees, and a reach into every market and practice area, Harrison Barnes is the recruiter who makes career transformations happen and has the talent and resources behind him to make this happen.

A Relentless Commitment to Attorney Success

Unlike most recruiters who work with only a narrow subset of attorneys, Harrison Barnes works with lawyers at all stages of their careers, from junior associates to senior partners, in every practice area imaginable. His placements are not limited to only those with "elite" credentials-he has helped thousands of attorneys, including those who thought it was impossible to move firms, find their next great opportunity.

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If you want to explore new career opportunities, Harrison Barnes and BCG Attorney Search are your best resources. Whether you are looking for a BigLaw position, a boutique firm, or a move to a better work environment, Harrison's expertise will help you take control of your future.

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Harrison's reach, experience, and proven results make him the best legal recruiter in the industry. Don't settle for an average recruiter-work with the one who has changed the careers of thousands of attorneys and can do the same for you.

About BCG Attorney Search

BCG Attorney Search matches attorneys and law firms with unparalleled expertise and drive, while achieving results. Known globally for its success in locating and placing attorneys in law firms of all sizes, BCG Attorney Search has placed thousands of attorneys in law firms in thousands of different law firms around the country. Unlike other legal placement firms, BCG Attorney Search brings massive resources of over 150 employees to its placement efforts locating positions and opportunities its competitors simply cannot. Every legal recruiter at BCG Attorney Search is a former successful attorney who attended a top law school, worked in top law firms and brought massive drive and commitment to their work. BCG Attorney Search legal recruiters take your legal career seriously and understand attorneys. For more information, please visit www.BCGSearch.com.